Niqo Robotics- Bengaluru Startup, Promises to Increase Income with AI Farm Robots Precision Pesticide Spraying

India's agricultural landscape contributes significantly to its economy, accounting for 18.3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the fiscal year 2022-23. In recent years, the infusion of mechanization into the sector has been gaining momentum, and a Bengaluru-based agri-tech startup, Niqo Robotics, is spearheading this transformation.

Niqo Robotics is harnessing the potential of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness in pesticide spraying across farms. Traditional practices have been plagued by their labor-intensive nature and the associated high costs. To address this issue, Niqo Robotics has introduced Niqo RoboSpray, a revolutionary solution designed to optimize pesticide application.

According to the startup, Niqo RoboSpray can reduce chemical usage by an impressive 60%. This reduction translates into significant savings for farmers in terms of both input costs and labor. Additionally, the robotic system operates at a fraction of the time required for manual spraying, demonstrating its efficiency in boosting productivity.

Niqo Robotics was founded by Jaisimha Rao, an Electrical and Computer Engineer who graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in the US. Rao's inspiration was derived from personal experiences at his family's coffee plantation in Sakleshpura, near Chikmagalur. Recognizing the untapped potential of technology in agriculture, he embarked on a journey to revolutionize farming practices.

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How Robot Spray Works?

Traditional pesticide spraying has often been wasteful, with chemicals dispersed across the field, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary expenses. To combat this, Niqo RoboSpray employs a multitude of AI-enabled cameras for real-time field analysis. This advanced technology ensures that pesticides are accurately sprayed only on the plants, minimizing wastage and maximizing efficacy. Niqo RoboSpray isn't confined to a single type of crop, it offers versatility across various fields, from vegetables to sugarcane and cotton. With the ability to cover approximately seven acres of land within an hour, the system has demonstrated its efficiency and adaptability.

The market debut of Niqo RoboSpray in 2022 marked a pivotal moment for Indian agriculture. Presently, the startup has deployed an impressive fleet of 50 robots across three Indian states—Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. This deployment establishes Niqo Robotics as the provider of Asia's largest fleet of precision spot spray robots, contributing significantly to the modernization of farming practices.

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Challenging to Convince Farmers

Rao acknowledges that introducing new technology to farmers hasn't been without challenges. The startup initially experimented with different products, including drones, but encountered resistance due to a lack of tangible benefits. Niqo Robotics recognizes the importance of demonstrating the direct financial advantages of their technology to win over farmers and is focused on this crucial aspect.

With a dedicated team of 51 employees, including 38 individuals engaged in robot design, Niqo Robotics is pushing boundaries beyond just pesticide spraying. The startup is actively working on developing other AI-enabled farm robots, envisioning a comprehensive transformation of various agricultural practices.

Niqo Robotics stands as a beacon of innovation, offering solutions that not only enhance efficiency but also bridge the gap between technology and tangible benefits for farmers. As the startup's vision evolves, it holds the potential to redefine the landscape of Indian farming and contribute to a more prosperous and sustainable future.

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